Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Letting Go Giveaway

Today is going to be a big day. A great day. Many of us feel like kids on Christmas, awaiting our Season 6 or Complete Collection sets. In addition, I am very excited to reveal that I was asked to write a guest thesis for the Lost University Masters Program, which launches today for those of you who have the Blu-ray! It is a tremendous honor to be included, and I will try to post it here for you when I can.

I attended the Lost Auction last weekend (full report coming soon), and left empty handed. But I have been a very fortunate fan in terms of opportunities and events, and have collected more Lost items over the years than I need or have room for (click here to view a video tour of my Lost home office). So I've opened up my bin of memorabilia and want to share 23 pieces with you.

There are too many items to list out, but I have trading cards, t-shirts, stickers, photos, pins, magazines, a mousepad, an iPod Touch cover, beautiful S6 Hawaii premiere photos from Cesar Altamirano and more to give away. For free. No strings attached. I didn't spend a dime at the auction, so I can afford to ship these out anywhere in the world.

The only requirement to enter is that you're either following me on Twitter or we are friends on Facebook. It's that easy.

If you're interested, simply leave a comment below letting me know what you're looking forward to the most on the DVDs or if you're enrolling in Lost University. I will also be giving away items on Twitter throughout the day, and all of this is only taking place today only (8/24/10).

Tonight I am going to watch The New Man in Charge for the first time, and then write up and share my interpretation/analysis of it - just for fun. So please do not post anything about the epilogue below!

139 comments:

This is so amazing! I'm definitely looking forward to rewatching the entire series, and especially season six, knowing how everything ends. I'm also really excited to see everything in blu ray for the first time!

The thing I was most looking forward to was opening up the packaging and exploring all the goodies, it was an incredible rush to take out the black light and find something secret and hidden! Also, seeing Michael Emerson portray Ben Linus one last time in The New Man in Charge in awesome HD was fantastic.

I'm looking forward to receiving my entire boxset tonight!! As long as some nosy neighbor doesn't steal my package off the porch...

I don't have Bluray, so I guess that means I'm out of luck as far as LOST University goes, but I am truly looking forward to taking the entire LOST journey again, with my own set of discs!

I can't wait to relive the moments, every single one of them. So, I don't have anything specific, but I am terribly excited at having the whole LOST experience, all together, no breaks, no summer hiatuses. :)

Thanks for all you've done and all you continue to do and write!Namaste,--Kim

Hey Jo,I'm most looking forward to watching The New Man in Charge on the DVD set. I won't be doing Lost U as I don't have a BluRay player. It would be awesome to have any of your LOST items that are up for grabs. I wasn't able to get anything at the auction either, even the opening bids were too much for me. Oh well. Thanks for all you do I'm looking forward to reading your next write ups.Sharon

Planning on rewatching the entire series from start to finish as fast as we possibly can... AND since I didn't actually own the seasons already, I decided to splurge and buy the Blu-Ray set. I finally get to do LU!!!!!

I watched Crit's video last night, and that got me really excited simply for the packaging of the box set, not even the contents. I can't wait to just have it in my hands, and feel the texture of it, not to mention discover all the goodies hidden inside!

I am from Greece! I came to LA to attend the final celebration at UCLA and watch the final episode on jay and jacks event! Now I can't wait for the extras on the dvd set. Too bad I will need to buy a new blu ray player to attend the lost university! I follow you on twitter and I would be happy to win any lost souvenir.

And more specifically, actor inviews on the entire series in general. Its crazy to see how the actors and characters have changed over the 6 years. I feel like I grew up with them. For the longest time, anyone who knew me knew I loved that show!

Things I'm looking forward to:-Commentaries-DVD extras-Bloopers-Completeing my Lost series collection-Having a lot of spare room on my DVR-The endless search for a show I love this much to fill the huge, gaping void. (dear gawd, why did it have to end? WAH!)

Jo - thanks for you continued generosity to Lost fans! I can't wait to leave work and get my Blue Rays! Definitely looking forward to The Man In Charge!!!!! I also hope there are a lot of bloopers and behind the scenes stuff. Can't wait!!Thanks again!Carole

I'm looking forward to getting paid Friday so that I'll be able to pick up my complete series collection on blu-ray. Apparently there is an unmarked hidden disc somewhere in the complete series set as well that I look forward to finding and seeing what is on it.

The completionist in me will also have to get the Season 6 DVD set as well eventually to finish off my DVD collection of the series, that way I can watch the show anywhere I go.

I'm really looking forward to watching the the "Planet Lost" featurette. The Fandom has been such a huge part of my Lost journey, and I'm really glad that the fans are getting a mention in the ultimate set.

I was one of the lucky few who saw "The Man in Charge" at the LOST Auction. So, as an avid LOST fan, I'm mostly looking forward to all of the extra clips of the behind the scenes stuff. You know, the stuff that hasn't been seen yet..the bloopers, the making of the scenes, interviews with the cast and crew. I LOVE watching the fun they had while making the show.

I'm looking forward to the bloopers - one of my favorite things about Lost, in addition to the mythology was the cast and how much they truly enjoyed working with each other. I love that the bloopers show off their personalities, especially in the last season when they're all preparing to say goodbye. Also looking forward to The Man In Charge...there's so much swirling in my mind about what happened with Hurley and Ben, that I can't wait to find out!

And even though I do not personally own a blu-ray player, I am enrolling in Lost University on my friend's blu-ray just so I can have the full experience. :)

I led a group of successful LOST auction bidders. I'm sure someone will be able to hook you up with something if you're interested. DM @AfterLOST That said, I'm a LU 108er looking forward to the Master's program and my own thesis. Maybe The epilogue will inspire me!

Mandazoid from Lost4Life here (CaptainMando on Twitter). I resisted the temptation for 6 years to buy each season because I knew there would be a bad-ass box set at the end. Because I don't own the seasons, I've never done a rewatch before, but I'm starting tonight!

I'm most looking forward to watching each episode with a fresh eye, looking to find the foreshadowing that we wouldn't be able to see without knowing how it ends. Plus, my full series rewatch is being done with a group of Lostie friends who have become family to me, and I can't wait to take the journey with them all over again. :o)

What I'm looking forward to most is actually having a Blu-ray player....no, that's not true, but I am buying one at the same time as the complete collection (this weekend, it better not sell out!!!!!!) just so I can get the complete collection AND do Lost University (finally!)

What I'm looking forward to most is my re-watch next month. I'm going to spend the next month on special features, Lost U, etc, and start Season 1 episode one on September 22nd.

I am most excited to see which of the fantastic folks I've met over the past year are featured on the DVD. Hoping to see footage of them at DCAAPB reveals, Gallery1988, book signings, ComicCon, panels, etc.

There will be a LOST marathon at my home during Labor Day weekend. It will be filled with tears and many laughs, mostly at the expense of Hurley and Sawyer. I do love those two....I've never had a TV show touch me in this way, but there has never been LOST before. I can't believe that this is the last LOST Tuesday, it is truly bitter sweet. As for the DVD, I always begin with the extras or any deleted content. It's like opening a present! I have enjoyed the ride very much. And as always Jo, thank you.

Hey Jo! It's WAxelFoley on twitter. Host of Lost Mythos. I am most looking forward to doing a final Lost podcast tonight about the complete series release! Oh - and also seeing some of those deleted scenes.

i am most looking forward to the dvd extras! i have resisted the urge to watch anything that got leaked online. i needed something to look forward to since it has been so hard to let go of my favorite show. thanks for the great give away and for keeping the lost love alive!

Hey Jo, I just got mine in the mail! I am most looking forward to the extras, bloopers are always great, but mostly I just can't wait to experience the whole thing again and again. Plus, the boxset is just SO awesomely awesome.

Thank you for all the great Lost stuff. (Pictures, pins, insight, your excitement and on and on... You Rock!)

I'd have to say I'm most excited about rewatching the episodes. I've watched each season at least three times and it'll be nice to look at this past season with what we know now. So sad this is the last Lost Tuesday :(

I'm looking to finding a friend with the complete collecting and blacklighting the shizz out of that sucker. BUt I'm also looking forward to the same thing as everyone—more Hurley and Ben. Hurley was my favorite throughout the entire series, from the very first episode. I knew when he was playing ping pong with Sawyer that he would be destined to be a man in charge someday, and I can't wait to see what they did with it. Ben is, of course, one of the most complex characters ever written.

I'm looking forward to seeing Jorge becoming the master of the island but I think I love the bloopers the best. It's nice to see everyone we have grown to love over the last 6 years with their own personality coming through.

I led a group of successful bidders in the LOST auction. I can add you to a short list of alternates for no-shows and resellers. Just DM @AfterLOST if you're interested. That said, as a LU 108er I'm looking forward to the Masters program and my own thesis. Maybe the epilogue will inspire me!

What I am most looking forward to is the behind the scenes of the last episode and the final wrap of shooting. When I watched Jen Garner's last take on the Alias DVD, it brought tears. And not little well-up tears, but big-cry-baby-I-need-a-moment-tears. LOST has meant more to me than any show/movie ever has and it's difficult to imagine any other show eclipsing that feeling. I have to wait for the Complete Series BluRay until I have more mulah, but I do look forward to reading your thoughts on it (after I've checked it out). Congratulations on all the opportunities you've created through LOST. You deserve every bit. Thanks, Jo.

Hey Jo, I follow you on Twitter @jms_715 ! The thing I'm looking forward to the most about the Season 6 DVD set is the cast and crew reflection/ Jorge reading the final script. I am also looking forward to seeing Damon & Carlton viewing the finale with Giacchino's score added to it.

I'm super stoked about "The new man in charge" and really everything else on the DVDs. I'm a huge fan of the LOST: on location segments. And can't wait to find all the Easter eggs! I'm so happy that the DVDs are finally out, but also extremely sad...*sigh*

Not only am I looking forward to the extra peek at Hurley and Ben in charge but I'm also looking forward to be able to just watch any episode whenever I want. Any my kids love the blooper reels... And I think I'm already enrolled in Lost University but I need to check on that when I get home. Thanks for everything Jo! :)Tracy

Hi Jo! I follow you on twitter (@inkypawprints) and am a facebook friend! :) I can't wait to see the 11 minutes of Jorge in charge, all the bloopers! It's so good to be among friends who understand the true meaning of the last "Happy Lost Day"!!!

ahhh Jo. I feel like it's back to school, and I haven't seen you all summer or something! sad face. I have though - :) reading and following and missing all the same.

i may have to hold off buying the whole kit and kaboodle because my birthday is coming up and i've been hinted to not buy it for myself.

i am beyond pumped for The Man in Charge as well as blooper reels - I watch 1-5 bloopers over and over again to just laugh a lot. 'here comes doctor giggles' may be one of my fave sawyer lines of all time.

thanks as always for being such a selfless and awesome lost fan and writer - i think if i would have had the opportunity to read well crafted blogs such as your own when i was still deciding what to do with life - i probably wouldn't be a baker. :)

Winning or not, I wanted to thank you for sharing your journey of finding Lost with us, your peeps. I have enjoyed every post you've ever done. They have always been thoughtful and eye opening and so very impressive in the amount of stuff you seem to know (or at least remember well enough to look up quickly).

I hope to follow you as you continue along your path in the media.

I follow you on both FB (as myself in real life) and twitter as @druantia

I follow you on Twitter (I just don't know how to tweet!!) and on FB as well :-)

What I'm looking for most is the Lost: On Location pieces. I like to go behind the scenes and see how certain scenes were shot. I also love the bloopers, which give me a chance to see the actors as themselves, out of character. They usually crack me up and make me love them even more!

What I looking forward to most is the "Letting Go" feature, which we saw a bit of at the auction. They said that at the end, they show a few actors react to the end of the series, and tears are involved. I know I'm going to cry along with them... and that featurette is especially special because we'll be able to see how much the actors and cast and crew loved making the show as much as we loved watching it, and they feel the same sadness as we do now that it's all over. *choke*

Looking forward to reading your New Man in Charge reaction piece... and of course, your recap on the auction!

I'm going to be honest and say I'm looking forward to it all. And even though it doesn't have anything to do with the DVDs themselves, I have also been looking forward to the Geronimo Jack's Beard podcast. I'm pretty excited for it all!

Hi!! This is like Christmas I cannot wait to open it all! I am most looking forward to the extras of course but also being able to free up space on the DVR and making progress towards finally not sobbing during the entire finale... baby steps.

Well, like 99% of the other people, I'm most looking forward to "The New Man in Charge" featuring my man Ben! I can't wait to read your guest thesis, Jo on LOST university as well. Thanks for being so generous with LOSTies throughout the years, and it was a blast hanging out with you in Waikiki!

I follow you on both Facebook & Twitter. I like tons of other fans are looking forward to the extra 12 minutes of Hurley being in charge. Also, I've joined LOST U a long time ago and finally got a blue ray player so I can finally join in the fun!

Really wish I could join Lost U but I guess you need bluray for that?? I'm not made of money, Darlton. Which is why I spent many hours staring at my computer watching all of Lost get auctioned away, rather than bid on anything. lol

But I do plan on getting the complete series on DVD. I did cheat and go watch The New Man in Charge last week, but I've been a good Lostie and since this is the FINAL thing to spoil, I kept my trap shut. I am, however, looking forward to watching the entire series over again. II have held off buying Lost seasons because I wanted a complete set, and boy, this thing looks fabulous! I can't wait to do the whole journey again, with The Lost Encyclopedia on the coffee table for reference.

I'll be honest: I was disappointed by the finale, and it's only been in the last week or so that I've felt I was even able to think about Lost without getting upset! I'm looking forward to seeing the bonus material and completing my DVD collection, though.

Jo! It's almost our one year friendship anniversary! :) I'm looking forward to the "New Man in Charge" as well as some behind the scenes production stuff on how they made "The End". Thanks so much for always sharing so much with us and for giving things away. You really are the best! <3

My parents in Pennsylvania should be receiving my copy of the Season Six DVDs right about now but it will take a while for them to get to me here on the other side of the world. I'm just looking forward to having one last LOST experience when I finally do get my hands on them.I'd like to sign up for Lost University classes but the US version of the Blu-Ray won't play on our French player :-( So, we're hoping those of you who can will be sharing all the info with us.Thanks for everything!

i can't wait to read your analysis of the new man in charge! if i hadn't already watched the leak online, that would be my most anticipated item from the new LOST dvds. as it is, i can't wait to rewatch my favorite LOST episodes with cast/crew commentary: flashes before your eyes, walkabout, & the constant. i am on twitter at @izzydunne thanks jo for everything you give to the LOST community!

This is kind of a cheat, perhaps, but I am most looking forward to simply being able to watch season 6 without commercial interruptions and at marathon pace. The extras are always fun, but it's most fun to just watch the show. :)

Hi! I follow you on Twitter - I'm Sarah_Sears. I'm in the UK so I have to wait a little longer for the DVDs to arrive. I'm really looking forward to some of the extras - deleted scenes especially - and also the additional bits in the box like the senet game! I can't wait to analyse every inch of the box, I'm sure there will be lots of almost-hidden things to find!

Over these last few years, in addition to my deepening LOST obsession, I'm proud to say I've become a Jopinionated groupie! I'm excited to have this last LOST day and looking forward to your analysis.

Like you, I've remained spoiler free from the beginning and haven't watched The New Man in Charge or any of the leaked extras. I can only hope my blu-rays are waiting for me at home! I'm looking forward to getting started on my LOST U Masters and reading your thesis too!

Formerly Known As 'Lost Lurker' here - MY DVD SET HAS ARRIVED!!!! So excited and so boo-hoo all over again. Has anyone translated Jacob's secret message? I have not (yet) read through everybody's comments...but I know we are all glad for this reunion opportunity with you, Dear Jo. THANK YOU AGAIN.

I got my copy this morning and have spent the afternoon watching the bonus features of season 6. (Unemployment is good for something!) So far my favorite feature was "A Hero's Journey" and I'm looking forward to watching all of the "Lost on Location" features next.

I'm new to twitter - just joined over the weekend and immediately began to follow you! (I'm melrosewest3)

wow Jo! you are incredible! this is such an amazing thing to do..and major Congrats are due for the LU Masters program!! as far as what I am looking forward to most, it's a combo of the crazy awesome packaging for the box set and all the goodies that come with it (although I won't be getting that til christmas) and how complete my shelf will look with seasons 1-6 all lined up in a row! and of course, The New Man in Charge and all the other bonus features! Happy LOSTuesday You All Everybody!!

I'm most looking forward to re-watching Hurley's awakening. I downloaded The End and Happily Ever After, so I have watched those awakenings a hundred times (and never tire of them!), but I haven't seen Hurley's since it aired.

Jo! I must tell you that I just recently became a fan of yours- when I saw everyone talking to you at the LOST auction! Better late than never I hope, and I'm always around when people want/need to get rid of some LOST swag. hahaha ;) I am TOTALLY looking forward to playing the game! And all the special features, I'll probably be glued to my tv for hours ahaha

I'm looking forward to a complete series rewatch on BluRay. "The New Man In Charge" viewing is first on my priority list, but all bonus features are eagerly anticipated.

Once bonus disc is devoured, I really love watching episodes available with commentary. It adds so much to enjoyment to hear cast and crew insights to each episode.

Lost has consumed my life for six years, and I don't anticipate letting go anytime soon. The friendships and experiences I have gained are priceless.. Thank you for being one of the fearless leaders of Lost fandom. I look forward to following you on all of your new endeavors.

I've been very much looking forward to the New Man in Charge, but also to watching The End over again. For some reason I didn't want to watch it on my DVR where I would have to FF through commercials, I wanted to sit with my Blu Ray and just let it all sink in all over again. Most of all, I just want to go back.

This is one of the coolest giveaways ever. Thanks for doing it!Unfortunately I'm not one of those people unwrapping the wonderfull box of LOST goodness due to umm...*cough*...funds. But when I do get it, I'm excited to see the deleted scenes, and the various behind the scenes stuff. I am patiently awaiting the day when my wallet will allow me to buy this. :) I'm also excited to play the white rock-black rock game. hahaha.

I follow you on twitter (@Rileybird95) And we used to be friends on Facebook, but for some reason you aren't on my list anymore. I've no idea how this happen. Hmm... :-/

I can hardly wait!! I just got the Season 6 DVD! I am looking forward to completing the series numerous times. With all of the seasons I can go back and watch them over and over again and look at the things that I missed over the years.I am also currently enrolled. Thanks for the Lost resources!!Nathan Hunt@usmc20032002

what am I looking forward to the most? Savoring every minute. Appreciating it with new perspective. The cast reactions sound amazing. To read everyone's reactions. To be able to participate in a rewatch with new LOSTIE friends to have a different experience than the first time around! etc. etc. etc.

Well, I had my own little misadventure attempting to get Thr Complete Collection blu-rays at Best Buy. Luckily they were nice enough to lend me the 5th disc so I finally watched The New Man in Charge (3 times in a row) :) DHARMAriffic!

I got started on my LOST U masters as well and have to say that the content is better, more detailed, than undergrad. Especially liked the discussion in Theology 601. But it looks like we won't be able to read your thesis until we finish more coursework…unless there's something to unlock that I'm missing.

My task for tomorrow will be to get my hands on The Complete Collection, then watch more extras!

I follow you on twitter@meeyeehereHonestly I have never even seen this show but my uncle that lives with me is obsessed so I thought it would be nice to try to win this for him.He is a recluse so he never leaves the house except to go to work every night.THis would be nice for him.Thanks and have a terrific week.jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

I am most looking forward to watching the entire series with my friend. We are out on the road for work and I'm ready to induct another person into the LOST family. And what better way than with this kick @ss box set!!